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Instructions for Testing Your Home
Where
Should a Detector Be Placed?
Radon
levels vary considerably from location to location in the same
building. Radon frequently enters from the soil underneath
the basement or slab, and radon levels are usually highest in the
lowest level of the building.
The
US EPA uses the terms "lowest level ... suitable for
occupancy ... without renovations" in recommending a location
to test for radon. If you have a lowest level with a
bedroom, office or family room, you should set up your radon
detector in one of these rooms. If you rarely use the lowest
level in your home, you may wish to place an additional detector in a frequently used room on the next lowest level.
Place
a radon detector in the breathing zone, 2-6 feet above the floor,
and away from drafts, exterior walls, sumps, drains, windows or
doors. Radon may enter a building through cracks in the
foundation or through sumps or drains and will usually be higher
near these entry points. More detailed instructions are
included with each RSSI Alpha-track radon test kit.
Starting
Your Test
-
Read
the placement instructions for your radon detector and choose
a test location
-
Remove
the Alpha-track detector from its protective pouch
-
Write
the start date on the radon detector
-
If you plan to hang the detector, firmly slide the hook into the groove on the bottom of the detector
-
Leave
the radon detector in one place for the entire test period
-
Save
the information form and the return mailer box
Ending
Your Test
-
Write
the end date on the radon detector
-
Fill out the Data Card Form
-
If
you lost your Data Card form you can Download an RSSI Consumer Data Card Form
-
Be
sure to keep a record of your radon detector number
-
Do
NOT tape up the radon detector or put it in a bag or pouch
-
Place
the radon detector and the information form in the return
mailer box
-
If
you lost your mailer, use a padded envelope or small cardboard
box and mail it to the address on the detector
-
Be
sure the mailer or envelope is sealed
-
RSSI does not recommend testing for periods shorter than a month. For tests 15 days or longer, the return
mailer is acceptable for return shipping. For tests 8 to
14 days long, detectors must be be sent overnight to RSSI.
(Note: If not using the business reply label, shipments to
RSSI should not have deliveries scheduled for Saturday or
Sunday.)
Getting
Your Results
-
Your
radon detector will be analyzed within seven business days of
its arrival at the lab.
-
Results
are available on-line by entering your detector number.
-
A written report will be sent to you via mail
or email.
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